AFI Fest 2021 Opens With the World Premiere of tick, tick...BOOM!
Today, AFI announced that the 2021 edition of AFI Fest will take place from November 10th to November 14th, 2021, and will open with the World Premiere of Lin-Manuel Miranda's newest film, tick, tick...BOOM!, which will release in select theaters on November 12th and begin streaming on November 19th on Netflix. This year's edition of AFI Fest will be a hybrid festival, featuring both in-person screenings and events in Los Angeles, California, as well as the return of virtual screenings, showcasing transformative stories from groundbreaking artists, and a gala event celebrating AFI Life Achievement Honoree Julie Andrews.
The Opening Night screening of tick, tick...BOOM! will screen at the historic TCL Chinese Theater. Directed by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award® winner Lin-Manuel Miranda in his feature directorial debut, the film is based on the autobiographical musical by “Rent” playwright Jonathan Larson and stars Academy Award® nominee and Tony Award® winner Andrew Garfield. The film is written by Tony Award® winner Steven Levenson, and produced by Academy Award® and Emmy® winners Brian Grazer and Ron Howard for Imagine Entertainment, Julie Oh, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Citing health and safety being the festival's top priority, AFI will require all in-person attendees of events and/or screenings related to AFI Fest 2021 to be fully vaccinated.
Soon, AFI will start selling tickets and passes to AFI Fest 2021 on the festival website. AFI Members receive exclusive discounts and benefits to AFI Fest 2021, among other year-long perks. To become an AFI member, click here.
“AFI FEST will remind the world the power of this art form to lift our spirits at a time we need it most. Opening with the imperative voice of Lin-Manuel Miranda and celebrating the joy that Julie Andrews has provided generations will set our sights on a brighter day – just like in the movies.”
Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO
The 48th AFI Life Achievement Award Tribute to Julie Andrews will take place on Thursday, November 11, 2021, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, CA.
“AFI FEST 2021 will captivate our community of film lovers, starting with our opening night film, tick, tick…BOOM! We’re thrilled to elevate the best in global cinema to audiences safely in theaters in Los Angeles and across the nation virtually, celebrating the beauty and power of film.”
Sarah Harris, Director of Programming at AFI Festivals